Children who have disabilities and complex medical needs—and their families—have been at the center of our mission for more than 120 years. Learn how we've built on this long history to help patients improve their health, achieve greater well-being, and enjoy life.

Meet Jo'Vonna

Jo'Vonna loves riding her scooter, but because she has cerebral palsy, she has trouble maintaining balance. If anything besides Jo'Vonna's own determination will help her meet her goals, it's Gillette.

Current Initiatives

Baclofen Pump Surgery

Planning for Surgery

After your surgery is scheduled, you will be given specific instructions about how to prepare for surgery, such as when to stop eating and drinking before surgery and when to come to the hospital.

A child life specialist will likely meet with you to teach you about and help you prepare for your procedure.

Take a bath or shower the night before your surgery with a special soap called Hibiclens (Chlorhexadine). The soap can be found at your local drugstore.

If applicable, bring the following items with you:

Braces, hand splints, knee immobilizers, ankle foot orthoses, etc.

Equipment such as a walker, wheelchair or crutches

After Surgery

You will be admitted to an inpatient unit for five to seven days.

You will receive medicines for pain relief.

You will have an abdominal binder on to support the intrathecal baclofen pump area and prevent swelling. (You will be discharged with this binder.) You will wear the binder for 6-8 weeks after surgery, until the incision is fully healed. You may remove it for bathing once bathing is allowed.

You will need to remain flat in bed for three days after your surgery.

Physical therapists will visit you at your bedside two days after your surgery. When you can get up, they will help you get back to doing your usual activities.

Your health care providers will assess your muscle tone and talk with you and your physical therapist to make decisions about your intrathecal baclofen dose.

You will be discharged from the hospital when you:

are comfortable

are able to participate in your usual activities

have good control of your muscle tone

This will likely be around five to seven days after your surgery.

Before you go home, we will teach you how to take care of your self after surgery.

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your health care providers.
If you have any questions, talk with your doctor or others on your health care team.